New Guy From Raleigh Holding Out for the 2013 FJ

Stumbled on to this site and I'm really excited that the users are mostly based in North Carolina. I look forward to picking your brains when I have an FJ question. I already used your site a few moments ago to figure out how I would disable the daytime running lights once I get my 2013. Nice. Thank you.

For a year I had been shopping for a new Jeep Wranger Sahara 4 door but changed my mind after test driving the FJ. And then after seeing all the roof leaks with the Jeep hard tops on youtube with the brand new models my mind was made up. Its FJ all the way baby.

So I'm on the fence about the Grey Trails Teams Edition 2013. I'm probably going to go with Iceberg White. I'm going to list what I'm getting and if you pros see something I should avoid tell me because I have a few months before I am going to buy it. Below are the stock items from Toyota I'm planning on getting with one question about the running boards or the steps. And does anyone have a digital copy of the 2013 FJ catalog? I can't find it online. Everything listed is based on the 2012 catalog.

Iceberg White 4x4
Convenience Package
Upgrade Package
17 inch Alloy bullet hole
ArmRests
All Weather Floor Mats
Tow Hitch
Rear Door Cargo Net
Cargo Matt
Running Boards or Steps (The steps look like they would rust fast but I haven't seen the running boards) Any suggestions?

I and I left out the most important accessory to my FJ. An East Carolina Alumni License Plate! Go Pirates Baby!

Welcome, welcome!!!!
You and Ryland should get along fine lol. I believe he is a Pirates fan and alumni as well.

Of your list above the only thing I say avoid are the running boards or steps. If you ever plan to take your FJ on the trail those items will not last long and may potentially cause body damage if they are bumped. I highly recommend true rock sliders instead. Whether you take it off road or not rock sliders look much better and serve as protection and a step. However, it is entirely your call depending on how you plan to enjoy your FJ.

Welcome and GO APP! Sorry man I couldn't resist considering they are playing right now!

neither on the steps and running boards...the rock rails is what you want..the predator steps you are talking about are weak and if you hit anything at all with them you will bend them...the running boards to me are useless too..if your gonna do any off roading at all..they will snap the second they come in contact with anything harder than they are...if you absolutely plan on NOT doing ANY off roading...then get the steps...i persoanlly hate running boards...other than that...looks like a good list...

i would however make sure you have the locking rear differential...avoid the rear back up camera if at all possible (depends on package) as it is completely and totally useless...or you could just buy mine if you have to have it!! LOL...get the roof rack or your truck will look like RON HOWARD without it...

Thanks guys for your input. In one of the packages the Sonar, Rear Camera, Rear Power Outlet, Roof Rack, Rear Diff, sub woofer, extra speakers and A-Track are included so I'm good there with those things. But I am definitely glad you guys recommended not getting the steps or running boards.

I'm curious to why the backup camera is useless? Did you install some aftermarket camera instead?

I am assuming the backup camera is the same on the FJ as our 2012 4runner. I have personally found that the rear parking sensors on my FJ do a great job and I feel there is no need for a camera. On the other hand, our 2012 4runner has both and I do find the camera useful especially when backing up to hook up my 5x10 trailer. As far as backing the trailer the camera is useless. I still find myself using the mirrors just as much but when backing into a parking space I can at least tell how close I am to the vehicle behind me.

WELCOME TO THE GROUP!!!!!

I know that some do not like the backup camera...however...and this is just my opinion....I like and use it effectively. I have a lot of children in my neighborhood, including my own 6 year old...and it comes in VERY handy when backing out of the garage. Also, in my office parking lot, we have tight parking and I can back out of spaces using it relatively easily. It is color and is useful in my opinion. But, that is just my opinion.....

Also x2 on the rock rails, BEST idea for many reasons as stated above.

Also, on the all weather mats...I def prefer the Husky Lines I bought in lieu of the "all weather" Toyota mats...much better in my opinion.

Im old school about backing up...look over the shoulder...use your side mirrors..that sort of thing...the main problem that i have with the camera is the size of the screen in the rear view mirror...its between 1.5" and 2"...way to small to see..its useless at night...if the thing was the size of a garmin or tom tom GPS unit then it would be much more usefull...its basically the size that i dont like

On our 4runner it is the size of the stereo screen. Is it different on the FJ?

welcome and go pirates! I am a senior at ECU and just joined the group a couple months ago. I have the steps on my FJ but I am getting ready to sell them and get a pair of rock rails. There are a couple of preferred vendors through the forum that make rock rails. Orange Boxx makes a really good looking set that I have heard great things about.

boaterspence606 wrote:

welcome and go pirates! I am a senior at ECU and just joined the group a couple months ago. I have the steps on my FJ but I am getting ready to sell them and get a pair of rock rails. There are a couple of preferred vendors through the forum that make rock rails. Orange Boxx makes a really good looking set that I have heard great things about.

Thanks. Good to know. Man 2013 can't get here fast enough!

Sounds like you're rebuilding my 2011 Icebrg FJ as a 2013 model. I have all the options you mentioned with a couple of changes...


Couple of notes
1. I love the back up camera. I don't think there is an option to go without it... I think it's standard.

2. If you're planning on going with steps out the dealer door I recommend the OEM rock rails and if you need steps they can be added and removed for wheeling. Here's my truck with the steps on and off




3. I agree with David on the aftermarket all-weather mats. The carpet mats suck and I assume the AW Mats suck too

The toyota factory mats I got are awesome. They are thick, and hold a ton of water mud/debris. They are the best I've had. I also hear the weather tech mats, and the husky mats are excellent.

smoky cruiser wrote:

The toyota factory mats I got are awesome. They are thick, and hold a ton of water mud/debris. They are the best I've had. I also hear the weather tech mats, and the husky mats are excellent.

Yeah those mats you have don't exist anymore and haven't for 2-3 years... These are the coasters they sell now as all weather mats, which is why I said the mats suck!